Gemotions

The doctor’s office felt oppressively bright, the sterile white walls amplifying the throbbing in his temples. David stared at the man across from him, who calmly but firmly reiterated the facts. The DNA results, the adoption records, the undeniable truth. He hadn’t felt the faintest connection to his life in years. Now, this.

His palms were clammy, his grip on the armrests tightening. He wanted to argue, to deny it, but the doctor's words were so precise, so factual. He felt his face heat up, a flush spreading across his cheeks. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs.

He stood abruptly, knocking over a water glass. "I need some air," he choked out, ignoring the concerned look on the doctor's face, and hurried out of the office.